Installation & Assembly
SHAW SOLID HARDWOOD
Installation Instructions Guidelines
Solid Hardwood Installation Instructions
January 22, 2010
Page 2 of 8
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
3/4” & 5/16” SOLID FLOORING IS APPROVED FOR ON GRADE OR ABOVE GRADE INSTALLATION ONLY!!
3/4” & 5/16” SOLID FLOORING CANNOT BE INSTALLED OVER RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOOR SYSTEMS.
DO NOT INSTALL SOLID WOOD FLOORING BELOW GRADE LEVEL!!
3/4” SOLID WOOD FLOORING IS NOT CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE FOR GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION.
(ADHERED)
5/16” SOLID WOOD FLOORING IS ACCEPTABLE FOR GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION. (ADHERED)
Application of Moisture Barrier systems over concrete subfloors:
Follow all manufacturers’ instructions for the installation of this type of product. Use only Moisture Protection and
Adhesive systems that are designed to be used together.
Some helpful hints include:
Make certain that the moisture Barrier System chosen is compatible with the adhesive system to be used.
Apply the moisture barrier as directed by the manufacturer. Do not allow puddles to form and dry.
Floor products may not be applied on top of this product for at least 24 hours. This time period may be longer for
certain products or climate conditions.
For concrete sub-floor applications it is required and is the responsibility of the installer to test for sub-floor
moisture emissions before and after applying this type of product, using the (ASTM 1869-98) calcium chloride test
method; to insure that moisture emissions are within the recommended range of the floor-covering manufacturer.
ACCLIMATION
The installation site should have been consistently maintained at room temperatures of 60
o
- 80
o
F and a constant
relative humidity level range of 35 - 65 % for a minimum of 5 days prior to the hardwood delivery, and acclimation
period required for any Shaw Hardwood Flooring
™
product. Solid Hardwood requires a 72 hour minimum
acclimation period at the job site, prior to installation.
Flooring should be at the climate controlled job site a minimum of 72 hours prior to the start of installation.
During acclimation, do not store flooring products directly upon on grade concrete or next to outside walls.
Cartons should be placed in the dry installation area. Stack the cartons flat in stacks 3 or 4 high, away from heat
vents, out of direct sun light, as close to the center of the structure as possible. Leave spaces between the stacks
to insure proper airflow around the cartons.
Flooring should not be delivered until the building has been closed in and cement work, plastering, painting and
other materials are completely dry. Concrete and plaster should be cured and at least 60 to 90 days old. Check
basements and under floor crawl spaces, to be sure that they are dry and well ventilated to avoid damage caused
by moisture. Bare ground in crawl space areas, should be covered with overlapped black, 6-8 mil polyethylene
plastic sheeting.
In new construction, Shaw Hardwood Flooring
™
should be one of the last items installed. All work involving water
or moisture (plumbing, acoustical ceilings, dry wall taping, etc.) should be completed prior to wood flooring being
installed.
When installing 2-1/4” to 3-1/4” Shaw Hardwood over wood or wood based subfloors, there should be no more
than a 4% difference in moisture content between the subflooring and the Hardwood flooring materials to be
installed.
When installing 3-1/2” or wider Shaw Hardwood over wood or wood based subfloors, there should be no more
than a 2% difference in moisture content between the subflooring and the Hardwood flooring materials to be
installed.